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Recycling Guide

Are Stickers Recyclable?

Are stickers recyclable

No, stickers ARE NOT generally recyclable.


The sticky adhesive ("pressure-sensitive adhesives" or PSA) on stickers gets caught in recycling equipment.  Therefore, stickers and paper with stickers on it should not be thrown in the recycling bin.  Also avoid putting envelopes with sticky address labels on them in the recycling.  The only exception, according to the EPA, is Post-It Sticky Notes which have been engineered to break downs easily during the recycling process.  The laminated paper that stickers come on is also not recyclable, as it contains layers of both plastics and paper.... read more

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Are Plastic Bottle Caps Recyclable?

Plastic bottle caps recyclable

Yes, plastic bottle caps ARE recyclable and a growing number of curbside municipal recycling programs are accepting them in their weekly pick-ups. Traditionally city recycling programs and other recycling centers have asked consumers to remove the lids before recycling their soda and water bottles.  Recently, recycling technology has made it easier to recycle caps. Learn if you can throw plastic bottle caps in your recycling bin or find a local drop-off center at Earth911.org/recycling.... read more

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Are Old Pillows Recyclable?

are old pillows recyclable

No, old pillows are NOT recyclable, but there are many great reuses for pillows you no longer want on your bed or couch.... read more

  • Make a pet bed (try this super easy no-sew pattern).
  • Use as a cushion when gardening.
  • Restuff old stuffed animals.
  • Keep them in the car. You never know when you will need a pillow!
  • Give them away on Freecycle.
  • Donate them to an animal shelter.
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Are Paper Plates Recyclable?

Can you recycle paper plates

In general, paper plates are NOT recyclable, although there are a few exceptions to this rule. If the plate is used, it is definitely not recyclable, as food grease and crumbs cannot be separated from the paper in the recycling process (so you should avoid throwing that pizza box in the recycling bin, too). It is important NOT to throw paper plates that have been contaminated by food (and other contaminated paper products, such as napkins, paper towels, tissues, food packaging) because it can contaminate an entire batch of recycling.... read more

Is Laminated Paper Recyclable?

Is Laminated Paper Recyclable

No! Laminated paper is NOT recyclable. Therefore, it's important to use laminated paper sparingly and to re-use it as much as possible before discarding it. Paper and plastic cannot be recycled once mixed together because water is used to break down paper and heat is used to break down plastic. (The same thing goes for other mixed papers such as waxed paper and asceptic packaging) Before laminating anything, consider using a plastic sleeve/ sheet protector instead. This way you can take the paper out and recycle it once you are done and you can reuse the plastic sleeve.... read more

Are Markers Recyclable?

Recyle markers

No, unfortunately you CANNOT recycle markers. A growing number of more eco-friendly pens and markers are on the market (such as Papermate's Biodegradeable Pens), but most dead markers end up sitting in landfills across the country.

So what CAN you do with your dried out markers? Here are a few ideas:... read more

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Are Metal Hangers Recyclable?

Metal hangers recyclable

Yes! Metal wire hangers (such as those you get from the dry cleaner) ARE recyclable. Because of their odd shape (the hooks get caught on recycling equipment) and low percentage of steel, they are more difficult to recycle than other things.  Some curbside pick-up programs accept metal hangers but often you will have to drop them off at a recycling center.  Check out Earth911.org/recycling to find out where you can drop them off and if your city collects them in weekly pick-ups. ... read more

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